Lanolin face cream is a popular skin care product. It is popular mainly due to its accessibility. But is it good for the skin? Let's look at the composition of this product, find out reviews and draw conclusions.
Only a lazy woman does not strive to look young. In pursuit of beautiful skin, women sometimes spare no expense, no time, and sometimes no health.
But what to do if for some reason you can’t buy expensive skin care products, but you want to look good?
This is where inexpensive creams come to the rescue, which can be purchased, in essence, for pennies in the nearest supermarket.
Such purchases are often spontaneous, sometimes thanks to advice on the Internet.
But the question arises: will such a cheap product help solve skin problems and will it cause harm?
In order to answer this question, just look at the composition of such a cream.
What is lanolin ─ description and properties
Lanolin is nothing more than animal wax, which is obtained by certain processing of sheep's wool. In composition, it is close to sebum and belongs to fat-containing substances. It has been used in its unrefined form since ancient times. True, the benefits of such a product were very doubtful. Today, special technologies are used to clean natural wax, which make it possible to remove dirt and harmful impurities from it. Modern women are delighted with the beneficial characteristics of pure lanolin.
It is produced by boiling wool. Thanks to different approaches, several types of this unique substance are obtained. Each of them is suitable for specific purposes.
In appearance, animal wax is a thick, viscous mass of yellow or brownish color. Its smell is not particularly pleasant. Lanolin contains many sterols, including cholesterol, which largely determines its beneficial properties. The substance is perfectly absorbed and has a softening effect on the skin. It is characterized by a low melting point - about 35-40 °C. Anhydrous lanolin has a more complex composition: its structure contains esters, free alcohols and fatty acids.
It will be useful to know that the healing properties of wool are largely due to natural lanolin. In addition to the most popular sheep, there is a camel analogue. The antiseptic properties of camel wool products have been known for at least a couple of centuries. It’s not for nothing that camel wool blankets are wildly popular among people.
Where is lanolin used:
- in the cosmetology field;
- in the medical industry;
- when caring for woolen items;
- in the food industry and trade.
special instructions
Lanolin cream is not suitable for oily, normal and problematic skin types - due to the large amount of fat, it is too heavy and clogs the pores, causing new inflammation and acne. Before use, it is better to consult a dermatologist or cosmetologist. Use during pregnancy is permitted.
Contraindications include:
- infectious skin diseases (including psoriasis);
- dermatitis in the active phase;
- open wounds in the treatment area;
- individual intolerance.
The shelf life of a cream based on animal fat is 30 months, but after the tube has been opened, it must be used within six months.
The use of lanolin in cosmetology
Due to its ability to retain moisture and penetrate into the deep layers of the skin, the product is very popular in the cosmetics industry. It is used to create softening, moisturizing and protective products. Lanolin-based cream smoothes, eliminates imperfections and tightens cracks. The presence of fats in the structure of the substance allows it to be used to protect the skin from exposure to wind, sun and frost.
Sheep lanolin is included in most lipsticks and anti-aging cosmetics. Many women prepare care products from it at home. Foot cream with lanolin is good against fatigue: it relieves pain and soothes irritated skin. At the same time, it has the ability to be absorbed well and not leave marks on clothes.
Caring cosmetics with lanolin for children receive excellent reviews. Natural origin allows the ingredient to be introduced into products for children, starting from an early age. Wax forms an effective barrier against external influences (protective function) and eliminates peeling and redness (therapeutic function). Soap with lanolin solves two problems at once: cleanses and cares. It does not dry out the skin and can be used not only for hands, but for the face and body.
Lanolin for hair
Shampoo with lanolin is especially popular. Such products give hair a healthy shine and saturate it with strength. In addition to detergent compositions, lanolin is added to masks and conditioners to add volume and moisture to curls. It gently lubricates the hairs, making them soft, smooth and vibrant.
Beneficial features
Lanolin nourishes the stratum corneum of the epidermis, having both antistatic and emulsifying functions. The relationship of lanolin with water and lipids gives it the ability to restore the natural water-lipid mantle of the skin. In general, applying lanolin to the skin not only softens it, but makes it less sensitive to any negative effects.
Due to its composition, lanolin can be divided into oil (liquid fraction) and wax (solid fraction). Due to their water-repellent properties, both fractions are widely used in skin care cosmetics, since they reliably protect the epidermis from negative environmental factors. In addition, lanolin has a number of other beneficial properties:
- regenerating due to the participation of transport of useful substances to cells and activation of connective tissue fibroblasts;
- moisturizing, smoothing wrinkles;
- the ability to retain moisture inside the dermis due to the formation of a film on its surface;
- protecting the skin from temperature changes, hair from separation, fragility, eyebrows from loss;
- emollient: quickly absorbed into the epidermis without leaving a feeling of greasy.
Lanolin is easy to use because it does not stain clothes. Children can accidentally swallow the substance and this will not be a tragedy - lanolin is safe.
Lanolin in medicine
Therapeutic cosmetics for young mothers is the main pharmaceutical area for which the component is produced in large quantities. Nipple cream with lanolin is successfully used to get rid of cracks during breastfeeding. The product quickly eliminates minor damage and prevents the appearance of new ones. There is no need to wash it off before feeding the baby: the ingredient is completely safe for the baby.
Therapeutic gels with lanolin promote wound healing and have an anti-inflammatory and cooling effect. The natural component is also included in eye medications. Lanolin ointment accelerates healing and has a beneficial effect on the skin of the eyelids. Natural wax is used as a base for the production of plasters and impregnation of aseptic dressings.
Linin ointment
Registration number: P N000054/01
Trade name of the drug: Linin.
Dosage form: Ointment for external use.
Composition per 100 g of ointment: Active substances:
- Boric acid 3 g, zinc oxide (zinc oxide) 10 g.
Excipients:
- Levomenthol (L-menthol) 0.75 g
- Talc 10 g
- Lanolin (lanolin anhydrous) 15.25 g
- Medical Vaseline 61.0 g
Description: The ointment is light cream in color with a grayish tint, with a menthol smell, uniform in appearance.
Pharmacotherapeutic group: Dermatoprotective agent.
ATX code: D11AX
Pharmacological action: Combined preparation for external use. It has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, absorbent, astringent and drying effects. Coagulates proteins (including enzymes) of the microbial cell, disrupting the permeability of the cell membrane. Reduces exudation, relieves local inflammation and irritation.
Indications for use: Atopic dermatitis, neurodermatitis, microbial eczema, lichen planus.
Contraindications: Hypersensitivity to the components of the drug, impaired renal function, acute inflammatory skin diseases, childhood, pregnancy and lactation.
With caution: Extensive skin lesions.
Directions for use and dosage: Externally. The ointment is applied in a thin layer 1 - 2 times a day to the affected areas of the skin and lightly rubbed.
Side effects: Allergic reactions, itching, hyperemia, rash.
Overdose: In case of overdose or prolonged use of the ointment on a large surface of damaged skin, due to the boric acid included in the drug, symptoms of intoxication are possible: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, skin rash.
Treatment: Symptomatic.
Interaction with other drugs: Not detected.
Special instructions: The ointment is for external use only. Avoid contact with eyes.
Release form: Ointment for external use. 25 g each in orange glass jars with a triangular rim, sealed with polymer pull-on lids; 30 g in aluminum tubes. Each jar or tube, along with instructions for use, is placed in a box made of cardboard.
Shelf life: 2 years. Do not use after the expiration date stated on the packaging.
Storage conditions: In a dark place at a temperature not exceeding 20°C. Keep out of the reach of children.
Conditions for dispensing from pharmacies: By prescription.
Lanolin for hair care
Particularly worth mentioning is the use of the substance for working with natural fabrics and yarn. Housewives and needlewomen speak well of detergents with lanolin. Thin knitted items made from wool yarn are very capricious and demanding to care for. They are recommended to be washed with the addition of shampoos, conditioners and softening compounds. This approach to cleaning allows you to preserve the natural velvety and give the products the intended shape, but it requires a lot of effort and time.
Using lanolin to wash wool makes the task easier. You can include it in your DIY detergent base or purchase a ready-made product. Many manufacturers include lanolin in soaps and liquid powders. Such products combine all the necessary functions: cleans, softens and protects the yarn. The result is neat, fluffy products that wear well and last a long time.
For gentle cleaning and care of items made from open wool, the most effective way is to use a special shampoo. Together with cleaning from contaminants, the lanolin in its composition restores wool fabric to its original appearance. It is worth noting that regular washing of exposed wool significantly extends the service life of products and the comfort of use. This applies to both small things, such as scarves, hats, slippers, and quite large ones: blankets, jackets and vests made of wool.
The substance is also included in shampoos for pets. Representatives of the cat and dog families will be grateful to their owners for the presence of lanolin in hair care compositions. They provide easy combing, carefully remove dirt and give softness to even the most shaggy animals. The effect of lanolin on the “fur coat” of animals is similar to the effect of shampoo on human hair.
Reviews
Christina: My hands were very red from the cold, they were cracking, it was kind of terrible. I was advised Lanolin cream - despite the fact that it is a facial product, it helped me cope with my problem.
Lisa: Simple and cheap cream, I was even afraid to apply it to my face. But I took a risk and didn’t regret it - it moisturizes the skin perfectly!
Masha: Even my husband uses a cream with lanolin - after shaving he applies it to the skin so that there is no irritation. It helps a lot.
Purified lanolin in food and other products
The use of animal wax is not limited to cosmetic and household needs. It has also found application in the food industry. It is used for glazing confectionery products and as an anti-flaming agent. In the first case, lanolin gives the product gloss and smoothness, in the second it helps to achieve uniformity during the cooking process.
Shiny fruits and vegetables in the store are also thanks to this valuable ingredient. Due to the fact that lanolin contains steroid derivatives, it is able to form a glossy shell. This is why apples and peaches on retail shelves look so impressive and force the buyer to purchase them as soon as possible.
In addition to the options listed, you can find a well-known component in other industries. Manufacturers of clothing and footwear have happily adopted the ability to create a water-repellent film: lanolin is always present in tubes of care and protective products. Builders regularly encounter it in their work: sheep's wax is part of concrete. Lubricants for all purposes also include this product.
Disadvantages of natural wax
Due to its wide distribution, it seems that it has no “cons”. But it is not so. Due to its natural composition, this product has almost no negative characteristics, but in some cases it can cause allergic reactions. To eliminate them, it is better to use diluted liquid lanolin rather than thick one. Before applying to the skin, it is necessary to check the body for allergies, namely, rub a couple of drops of the drug in the wrist area and look for the presence or absence of a reaction.
Video about lanolin:
Composition and action
Thanks to its composition, the face cream has amazing effects:
| natural anhydrous fat lanolin | provides a protective function, prevents drying out of the integument and makes it soft. The component is used in all cream analogues; |
| beeswax | has an anti-inflammatory and softening effect on the skin; |
| mineral oil | creates a thin protective film on the surface that prevents moisture evaporation. |
Additional ingredients: non-allergenic petroleum jelly, water, paraffin, emulsion wax and ceresin to give the desired consistency and viscosity, emulsifiers, preservatives and fragrance.
The use of a cream based on the content of oils and fats combats dry skin, makes it elastic and firm, which in turn is beneficial in the prevention of age-related wrinkles.
